Mindscape Zoo Vet review

If you think there's too much violence in games, Mindscape's Zoo Vet should redress the balance a little. Rather than injuring things, it's your job as the zoo's new vet to diagnose and treat the animals as they get sick.

Designed for children, the game is largely educational. A quiz mode helps children learn animal trivia before you let them go all James Herriot on the wildlife.

There are 25 animals to treat, including lions, bears, otters and penguins, and 30 different scenarios to work through. Each level presents a different selection of animals to work with, and you have to treat each one to progress.

The animal graphics are well created but can appear cartoon-like at times, and the backdrops look dated. There's also little realism when operating on animals, but with children in mind the lack of gore is hardly a problem.

Tackling each animal follows roughly the same pattern. You have a range of examination tools to hand and are asked questions on the results. For example, when taking an animal's temperature you're asked if the results are normal or not. Each correct answer earns you points. However, some tasks become repetitive.

Other jobs including taking blood samples, removing stones from hooves and medicating diseased animals. Children follow the onscreen clues to choose the right course of action.

The worst that can happen if you're a little too slash happy with the scalpel is that you are taken off the case. Usually, though, some heavy voice hints point you in the right direction. These reminders mean the game is better suited to young children, as they need more guidance.

This is a great introduction to the veterinary world, although once the 30 missions are over there's little to draw you back.

Author: David Ludlow